1. How did you get your start in architecture? I got my start in architecture at a very early age. My grandfather was a contractor and carpenter, so I was on construction sites even before I could walk.

When we started seeing headlines singing the praises of a tequila barrel hotel, we had to investigate. And sure enough, if you venture 45 minutes outside the town Guadalajara, you'll hit Tequila, Mexico, home to Matices Hotel de Barricas (which literally translates to "expression of barrels").

1. How did you get your start in architecture?I joined the backstage crew at my high school during my freshman year. the productions were almost professional quality. they needed a set designer during my sophomore year and I started to do the design.

When Choice Hotels, one of the world's largest hospitality companies, launched a line of properties tailored for business travelers, skeptics may have questioned the staying power of the offshoot known as Cambria.

1. How did you get your start in design?I backed into it. I had a career in business but always designed, remodeled and/or built my own homes. There was an inflection point at which the creativity and freedom of designing homes coincided with my need for a break from the corporate world.

1. You were born into a family of skilled architects and makers - when did you know design was your destiny and how did you get your start?I have always loved homes and interiors… and grew up in a very creative family full of architecture, new construction, fine cabinetry and painters.